Primaries & Caucuses

Across the country, people vote for their preferred presidential candidate in a primary or caucus. The rules for these elections vary by location and political party. In general, primaries are similar to the general election process where voters cast secret ballots for their preferred choice, while caucus voting is a show of open support by raising hands or organizing into groups.

There are primaries and caucuses held for Democratic and Republican candidates in all 50 states, plus the following United States territories:

• American Samoa
• District of Columbia
• Guam
• Northern Mariana
• Puerto Rico
• U.S. Virgin Islands

In addition, there is a global primary run by Democrats Abroad, the official arm of the Democratic Party for Americans living outside the United States.

Kansas Presidential Primary/Caucus

In Kansas, presidential primaries and caucuses are run by the respective political party.

Nomination

Delegates from each primary/caucus formally select their party's nominee at a national nominating convention. Delegates are allocated proportionally based on the outcome of each primary/caucus.